Haldane Construction had to respond to was Covid-19 and the first lockdown. We worked hard to keep all our clients up to date with our position and ensured they were not left with any potential issues.
Once we came out of lockdown we were faced with the devastating news that our founding member and Managing Director Andrew Haldane was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Four weeks on and he sadly passed away. Andrew was Haldane Construction and so the question was asked, "how could the company carry on". However with great drive and ambition to continue Andrews legacy, the team and I have be able to carry the business on with all that has been thrown at us. No one will ever know how hard it has been, however it shows great commitment from the team and I that we're determined not let down our clients and ensure their projects were and will be completed.
Read less
Haldane Construction was appointed to build an extension to our listed Tower house, known as Bridgeness Tower. The extension is a teardrop shape on a very restricted site. The access was awkward and was a real issue, Andrew offered us some really good advice at the start of the project, to hire the local bowling club's disused land to the rear of our property. The build would have been incredibly difficult and probably taken longer if we had not taken up his advice. Haldane looked at various cost savings for us, introducing a more modern insulated concrete formwork system for our supporting wall, which also reduced the time it took to complete the work. They were also able to source windows that were better quality and more cost-effective than our architect’s original specification. The tradesmen employed by Haldane Construction were outstanding, the carpentry team understands how to make curves and transitions to a very high standard. It was always our intention that the kitchen should be a focal point of our build, but the costs were suggesting that we would have to make compromises. Andrew was able to point us in the direction of a kitchen supplier. The kitchen has turned out better than we imagined at a price we could afford. Andrew and Peter understood the complexities of the “slap through” from the old to the new building and had the right staff, with the right skills and the right equipment. Haldane’s empower their staff to work independently and Andrew and Peter answered all our emails and texts promptly regards of the time we send them. The fact that the builders, the architect and the structural engineer all get on has actually meant that we have had minimum stress. We both expected major stress and major upheavals and people find it hard to believe it when we say it’s nothing like we imagined. Haldane Construction was an oasis of calm in a potentially disruptive endeavour.
Haldane Construction built my extension between January and August 2014. It is a modern extension of about 80m² on a 100 year old house. The project also included some upgrading of the original house. The project was awarded to Haldane construction because they submitted the most competitive tender and were happy to meet and discuss the project before exchange of contracts. Starting in January meant less than ideal weather but this did not deter the enthusiasm of Peter and his site team. Everyone worked enthusiastically from the beginning. As the days lengthened the team were often to be found working late on a Friday evening ensuring that targets were achieved. The site was kept tidy and well organised. My neighbours commented on how pleasant, polite and hard working my builders seemed. Subcontractors were all people who had worked with Haldane Construction before and seemed to fit seamlessly into the programme with the same commendable work ethic. I had regular monthly meetings with Andrew Haldane, Peter Archibald, my architect and quantity surveyor. I was kept well informed about progress. If there were any difficulties, constructive and fairly priced solutions were found. I always felt my views were respectfully listened to. The project was completed with only a 2 week overrun despite a very wet spring. Extra costs were mainly additional work requested by me or unpredictable issues found in ground works of the garage. All work was completed to a very high standard. A year after completion the snagging list was very short and quickly dealt with by Peter and his team. I greatly value being able to seek Peter and Andrews advice and expertise if I have any maintenance issues. I am delighted with my home and have and will continue to unreservedly recommend the services of Haldane Construction.
Haldane Construction helped us to achieve one of our life’s dreams when building our house. They used all their skill, knowledge and experience of previous builds and listened and included us all the way through the project. Our build has a high design and construction specification, presenting difficulties that were enthusiastically met. Difficult round walls of a turret were tackled with high precision and an excellent standard of craftsmanship. Glass walls were installed with a high level of care and safety. Fireplaces were successfully built to the high specification laid down by the design. Joinery skills were replaced by carpentry skills when we requested shaped, wooden mantle pieces to be installed. The team only ever wanted to meet our wishes and involved us in all decision making processes. They advised us on finishing’s when we needed direction and took the time to listen to us over a cup of tea. They even accommodated our desire for a topping out ceremony when the building reached its highest point and shared in a celebratory drink. Their approach helped us feel like we were all part of one team. They even stopped their work for a day to give us a hand to move in. Haldane Construction has provided us with a beautiful home that we are proud of and thoroughly enjoy. Many hours have been spent searching for items to ensure we got the best value for money and not overpriced goods and materials. Their advice allowed us to finish the house to a good standard and within the budget. They were generous with pricing of labour to help complete joinery fittings in wardrobes and cupboards. Due to their advice and assistance we found that we had used money wisely enough to ask them for additional work at the end of the build and they provided their time and advice with exactly the same approach, which meant we could do more than expected.